William Shatner wife is Elizabeth Joyce Martin, an American horse trainer and equine judge born on December 30, 1958, in the United States. However, the couple divorced in 2020, and William Shatner does not currently have a wife.
William Shatner is a legendary Canadian actor, author, producer, and singer best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. Throughout his decades-long career, he has remained one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars. Many fans still search for William Shatner wife because of his high-profile marriages, especially his relationship with Elizabeth Martin. This article explores who Elizabeth Martin is, her career, how she met Shatner, their marriage, family life, and where they stand today.
Who Is Elizabeth Joyce Martin?

Elizabeth Joyce Martin is an American horse trainer, equine judge, photographer, and former digital artist. She was born on December 30, 1958, in the United States. Although she keeps much of her personal life private, Elizabeth became widely known after marrying William Shatner in 2001.
From an early age, Elizabeth developed a passion for horses. She built a respected career in horse training and equestrian competitions long before meeting the famous actor. Her expertise earned her recognition in the American horse community.
While details about her education have never been widely published, Elizabeth is known for years of professional experience in equine training and judging. She also pursued photography and digital art, often sharing nature and horse-related images.
Her marriage to William Shatner introduced her to a broader public audience, but she preferred maintaining a relatively private lifestyle. During their marriage, the couple frequently appeared together at charity events and Star Trek conventions.
Although many people continue searching for William Shatner wife, it is important to note that Elizabeth Martin is now his former wife following their divorce in 2020.
Elizabeth Martin’s Career & Professional Life
Elizabeth Martin built a successful career around her lifelong love of horses. She became an accomplished horse trainer and professional equine judge, working with horse owners and participating in competitive equestrian events.
Her reputation within the horse industry came from years of dedication rather than celebrity status. She specialized in horse breeding, training, and judging, earning respect among fellow equestrians.
In addition to her work with horses, Elizabeth explored photography and digital art. She often photographed landscapes, wildlife, and horses, combining her artistic interests with her passion for nature.
During her marriage to William Shatner, the couple also supported horse-related charities and therapeutic riding organizations. Their shared interest in horses strengthened their relationship for many years.
Elizabeth has never actively sought Hollywood fame. Instead, she focused on her professional interests while supporting Shatner’s career at public events.
Although her exact net worth has never been publicly confirmed, various reports estimate it to be in the millions, supported by her career and divorce settlement. However, no official financial figures have been released.
How Did William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin Meet?

William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin met through their shared love of horses in the late 1990s. At the time, both had experienced personal loss. Elizabeth’s first husband, Michael Gleen Martin, had passed away, while William’s third wife, Nerine Kidd, tragically died in 1999.
Their common interest in horses created an immediate connection. They spent time together attending equestrian events and developed a close friendship that eventually became a romantic relationship.
As they grew closer, they found comfort in supporting one another through difficult periods in their lives. Their relationship progressed steadily over the next two years.
Unlike many celebrity couples, William and Elizabeth kept much of their dating life private. They rarely discussed personal details in interviews, preferring to let their relationship develop away from intense media attention.
Their shared hobbies, especially horseback riding and charitable work involving horses, helped build a strong partnership.
Although there was no widely publicized engagement story, William eventually proposed, and Elizabeth accepted. Fans of the actor celebrated the news, seeing it as a positive new chapter following personal tragedy.
Marriage & Wedding Details
William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin married on February 13, 2001, in Lebanon, Indiana, United States.
Their wedding was an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends. Rather than hosting an extravagant Hollywood celebration, the couple chose a more personal event that reflected their shared values.
Throughout their marriage, Elizabeth frequently accompanied William to award ceremonies, Star Trek fan conventions, and charity functions. They often spoke about their love of horses and outdoor life.
After nearly 19 years of marriage, William filed for divorce in December 2019. Their divorce became final in January 2020. Reports indicated that the couple had a prenuptial agreement, making the legal process relatively straightforward.
Today, William Shatner is not married.
Children & Family Life

William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin did not have children together.
However, William has three daughters from his first marriage to Gloria Rand:
- Leslie Shatner
- Lisabeth Shatner
- Melanie Shatner
Elizabeth embraced family life during their marriage while maintaining a relatively private lifestyle. The couple spent much of their free time at their ranch caring for horses and supporting equestrian causes.
Although William’s demanding entertainment career kept him busy, both enjoyed spending time outdoors and participating in charitable activities involving animals.
Even after their divorce, William has continued speaking publicly about his appreciation for nature and horses, interests he shared with Elizabeth during their years together.
Elizabeth Martin on Social Media
Elizabeth Martin maintains a very low public profile.
She does not have a widely verified Instagram account with a significant public following. Unlike many celebrity spouses, she has chosen to stay away from influencer culture and regular public updates.
Instead, she has focused on her professional interests, photography, horses, and private life. Fans generally learn about her through media coverage related to William Shatner rather than her own social media presence.
Her decision to remain private has allowed her to continue living largely outside the spotlight following her divorce.
Quick Facts About Elizabeth Martin
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Joyce Martin |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1958 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Horse trainer, equine judge, photographer |
| Married to | William Shatner (2001–2020) |
| Marriage Year | 2001 |
| Children | None with William Shatner |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is William Shatner’s wife name?
A: William Shatner does not currently have a wife. His most recent wife was Elizabeth Joyce Martin, whom he divorced in 2020.
Q: How old is Elizabeth Martin?
A: Elizabeth Martin was born on December 30, 1958. Her exact age depends on the current date.
Q: What does Elizabeth Martin do for a living?
A: Elizabeth Martin is an American horse trainer, equine judge, photographer, and former digital artist.
Q: When did William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin get married?
A: They married on February 13, 2001, in Lebanon, Indiana, and divorced in January 2020.
Q: How many kids do William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin have?
A: William Shatner and Elizabeth Martin had no children together. William has three daughters from his first marriage.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Joyce Martin played an important role in William Shatner’s life for nearly two decades. Their shared passion for horses, charitable work, and mutual support helped create a lasting partnership before their marriage ended in 2020. While many people continue searching for William Shatner wife, the accurate answer is that William Shatner is currently unmarried, and Elizabeth Martin is his former wife. Their relationship remains one of the most notable chapters in the actor’s personal life.

